Fire-escape.



F. SCHNEIDER. FIRE ESCAPE. APPLICATION FILED MAY15, 1911.

1,029,768. I Patented Jl me 18,1912.

a 7 9 l5 6' J5 COLUMBIA PLANOURAPH 60.. WASHINGTON. u. C.

FRITZ SCHNEIDER, 0F MADBETSOH, NEAR BIENNE, SWITZERLAND.

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Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 18, 1912.

Application filed May 15, 1911. Serial No. 627,214.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRITZ SCHNEIDER, subject of the German Emperor, and resi dent of Madretsch, a small place near Bienne, Switzerland, have invented a Fire- Escape, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in fire-escapes, the object being to so construct the latter that in case of emergency an easy and quick escape from burning buildings may be effected, the whole device moreover being adapted to be applied to windows and balconies without obstructing the latter.

For the sake of better understanding I refer to the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 shows a front elevation of the escape as applied to a window; Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of one hali of the escape, on a larger scale; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a part of rungs and connecting links of the escape, in an extended position.

In carrying out my invention I provide two metal tubes 1, which at one end are securely and tightly shut by means of caps 2 provided with ring shaped extensions 8, the other ends of said tubes being covered by similar but detachable caps t which latter are also formed with ring shaped extensions, designated by 5. The two caps 2 and the caps 4 are rigidly connected by means of bars 6 and 7 respectively. Both't-ubes are slotted along their entire length in such a manner that the slots face each other, the said tubes moreover being designed to receive and guide the ends of the rungs 9 and the cleats 8 of a collapsible ladder. The said cleats 8 are arranged in pairs on each side of the rungs and thus form the uprights of the ladder. Both ends of each pair of cleats which overlap one another have attached to them U-shaped' plates 10 which thus form the termination of slot-like openings 11. The rungs 9 extend through said openings 11 in which they are guided and prevented from becoming detached by means of heads 12 of a slightly larger diameter than the width of said openings 11. By this means the ladder may be made to collapse so that the upper edges of each lower plate 10 abut against the above lying rung. Fig. 2 illustrates one half of the fire escape the other half corresponding precisely therewith and by this means the diameter of the tubesl is reduced to a minimum.

Owing to the aforedescribed arrangement a space 13 is formed in the middle part oi the escape which may be utilized to allow of the reception of a suitable structure 14; for stiffening purposes. The apparatus is attached to the window frame or the like by means of the ring shaped extensions 5 and hooks 15.

In practical use the apparatus is detached from the hooks 15, thence fastened in and suspended from the hooks 16 which are suitably secured at the lower end of the window frame. The detachable caps 1 are then re moved and the lowering of the ladder is effected by means of its own weight. Viceversa, if the fire escape is to be mounted again into the position, Fig. 1, the ladder is telescoped by means of its slidable sections, while the caps at are secured at their ends.

Having now fully described my said invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is In a fire escape, the combination, of two slotted tubes, caps securely locking one end of said tubes, detachable caps fitted at the otherends, all the caps having ring shaped extensions, bars whereby the corresponding caps are rigidly connected with each other, rungs guided in the slotted tubes, cleats, ar ranged in pairs, at each end of the rungs and inside the tubes, U-shaped plates at both ends of each pair of cleats, the said plates terminating the openings which are formed by each pair of the cleats and serve to guide the rungs, means to prevent the rungs from becoming detached, and means to secure thewhole in position for use and out of use, substantially as and for the purpose specitied and shown.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FRITZ SCHNEIDER.

Witnesses HERMANN Snnnmnn, Loorsn FREY.

Gopies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Yatents, Washington, D. G. 

